Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
Close Your Eyes
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
something dreamy for dancing
while we're here romancing
It's love's holiday
And Love will be our guide
Close your Eyes
When you open them dear
So...
Close your eyes
rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Close your eyes
And I will close mine
Close your eyes
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Close your eyes
This is divine
Music play
something dreamy for dancing
while were here romancing
It's love's holiday
And Love will be our guide
Close your Eyes
When you open them dear
I'll be near by your side
So won't you close your eyes...
The lyrics to Tony Bennett's "Close Your Eyes" aptly convey the theme of a love holiday, where music and dance set the tone for a romantic interlude. The music invites the lovers to sway and hold each other while they forget the world they left outside the room. This song is a well-known jazz standard that epitomizes the romantic genre of music. The lines “Close your eyes / When you open them dear / I'll be right here by your side” imply the deep love and commitment between the two individuals as they promise to stay together, no matter what.
The lyrics in the chorus convey feelings of trust and the intimacy between the couple. The two people can close their eyes and fall into each other's arms to sleep. “Close your eyes / Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep / Close your eyes / This is divine.” The song's melody is soothing, with the harmonious interplay of wind instruments and percussion, perfectly honed to convey the emotions of love of the lyrics. The lines “And Love will be our guide” encompass the entire meaning of the song, which is the celebration of the power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Music play
Let us enjoy some music together
something dreamy for dancing
Let the music be slow and romantic for us to dance to
while we're here romancing
We should stay here and continue to enjoy each other's company
It's love's holiday
This moment feels special and perfect for us to express our love to each other
And Love will be our guide
Let our love for each other lead us to where we need to be
Close your Eyes
Let yourself relax and be in the moment
When you open them dear
After this moment, I will still be by your side
I'll be right hear by your side
I will always be there for you
So...
Let us enjoy this moment together
Close your eyes
Focus on nothing but the present moment
rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Let yourself find peace and comfort in my embrace
And I will close mine
I will follow your lead and close my eyes too
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Let us imagine ourselves in a serene and peaceful place
This is divine
This moment feels like pure bliss
Close your Eyes
Let yourself fully immerse in this moment
Music play
Let us enjoy some more music together
something dreamy for dancing
Let the music continue to be slow and romantic for us to dance to
while were here romancing
Let us continue to enjoy each other's company
It's love's holiday
This moment continues to feel special and perfect for us to express our love to each other
And Love will be our guide
Let our love for each other continue to lead us to where we need to be
Close your Eyes
Let us keep enjoying and cherishing this moment
When you open them dear
Even after this moment, I will always be there for you
I'll be near by your side
I will always stay close and support you
So won't you close your eyes...
Just as you trusted me and let go in this moment, let us always trust and support each other in the future
Lyrics © BERNICE PETKERE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: BERNICE PETKERE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stav 🦄
Music play
something dreamy for dancing
while we're here romancing
It's love's holiday
And Love will be our guide
Close your Eyes
When you open them dear
I'll be right hear by your side
So...
Close your eyes
rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Close your eyes
And I will close mine
Close your eyes
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Close your eyes
This is divine
Music play
something dreamy for dancing
while were here romancing
It's love's holiday
And Love will be our guide
Close your Eyes
When you open them dear
I'll be near by your side
So won't you close your eyes...
Борис Каплун
Одна из самых любимых композиций в джазе!
Jonathan van de Stadt
Amazing and underrated song!!! This along with Al Bowlly's version...I couldn't resist covering it myself... Real music will never die. Thanks for uploading!
KentuckyJet
This version is great. Its from an even greater album. I wish all songs in it were uploaded. Stell By Starlight is excellent! Zoot Simms is in it and I just love the album.
beforeourveryeyes
Thanks for listing the musicians. Milt's bass is really driving. And Zoot! How delicious! Thank You!
David Dawber
Tony's second biggest hit in UK, after Stranger in Paradise. It reached no. 18 in 1955. Surprisingly his best remembered song I Left My Heart In San Francisco only reached no. 25 when reissued in 1965.
47barolo
Stellar version of this song, Tony representing.
David Dawber
Tony's second biggest UK hit at no. 18. Stranger In Paradise reached no. 1. Both were in 1955.
m
Fantastico amo a este grande su sencillez su talento lo adoro saludos desde mexico
nickellodeon55
This is a 1961 remake of Bennett's 1955 version. It did not make the Billboard Top 25 (the charts were short then), but it did make #20 in Music Vendor, and a similar number in Cashbox.
MidnightJazzer
My father mundell Lowe was on this session, thanks for the plug!